New Israeli Law on al-Quds Residency Sparks Criticism Worldwide

A controversial law, which allows Israeli authorities to strip Palestinians living in East Jerusalem al-Quds of their right to live in the city, has sparked outrage worldwide.

In a statement released on Saturday, the Turkish Foreign Ministry condemned the Israeli legislation, saying the permanent residency of thousands of al-Quds Palestinians had been revoked since the Israeli occupation in 1967.

“We reject this illegitimate step that reveals Israel’s intention to increase efforts to change the demography of East Jerusalem [al-Quds], disregarding the basic human rights of Palestinians,” the statement read.

On Wednesday, Israel’s parliament (Knesset) passed the so-called “breach of loyalty” law allowing the interior minister to revoke the permanent residency status of Palestinians living in East Jerusalem al-Quds who are deemed to be a threat to the Tel Aviv regime.

Under the measure, Israel can deport anyone whose residency status is withdrawn and the Israeli Supreme Court cannot challenge the rulings by the interior minister.

It also applies to all permanent residents, whether they are recent immigrants or long-time residents of East Jerusalem al-Quds.